Premier League: Build-up to Bournemouth v Fulham
The Latest Key Asset for the Cherries?
Plenty has been said about AFC Bournemouth's defensive strength despite a significant reshuffle in their defensive unit, but it was an new forward who stole the spotlight in the fixture against the Whites.
Eli Junior Kroupi was brought in to add cover for main attacker the Brazilian forward in the team's offensive line, and it was his last-minute strike that earned Iraola's side a vital result away from home.
The forward netted an notable thirteen goals in the same number of matches for his former club last season, which helped the club toward elevation to the first division in Ligue 1.
Moving from the French second tier to the English top flight was always expected to be a difficult challenge and, as anticipated, he has up to now been restricted to an impact substitute.
His appearance at the recent match was during the AFC Bournemouth adopting a ‘throw the kitchen sink at it’ tactic, but his composure to slot home during injury time could emerge as a valuable weapon going forward.
A reliable finisher will score goals at all levels and the attacker demonstrated that with the way he got into place and calmly finished when needed – a major event for him.
Will the striker earn a starting role on the back of his impact on matchday? Maybe. But it's clear, the Cherries have uncovered an additional piece in their smoothly running system.